In an extensive article on the June 5th CA Primary ballot, the Martinez News-Gazette commented recently that Nils Palsson is THE challenger in this race to unseat 10-term establishment incumbent Mike Thompson.

While there are three challengers on the ballot opposing the Democratic incumbent, Palsson was the only one to produce a 250-word ballot statement in the voter guide, placing the other candidates in a position of relative obscurity.

The Martinez News-Gazette got it right. There really is only one challenger in this race. And come November, with your help, Palsson will be squaring off with this district's long-reigning corporate incumbent, running on a people-powered platform of getting money out of politics and creating a system that works for us ALL.

Here is the News-Gazette's excerpt on Palsson's bid for Congress:

His challenger is Nils Palsson, who is not affiliated with a particular party. Palsson has been a high school teacher, is a radio host involved in community activism, and said he is running for office because “big money has taken over politics, while our families struggle to survive.”

He said he would work on “pressing issues of our time,” including wealth inequality, climate change, social and racial justice, affordable housing, education and health care.

A political newcomer, Palsson said that would give him the advantage of bringing a fresh outlook to the post. He cited the experience of losing his father to cancer while mounting medical bills caused his family to lose its home.

“I believe in Medicare for all. I will stand up for our elders and youth, protect Social Security, expand veteran services, make peace, improve public education and eliminate student debt,” he said. His campaign website is www.nilsforcongress.com.

Palsson's ballot statement, which was sent home to voters this month, reads as follows:

I am running for Congress because we, the people, deserve a voice in government. Big money has taken over politics, while our families struggle to survive. To truly thrive, we need visionary leadership. I will address the pressing issues of our time, including wealth inequality, climate change, social and racial justice, affordable housing, education and healthcare.

As an outsider to the political establishment, I bring a much-needed fresh outlook. I take no corporate or Super-PAC contributions. My allegiance is to our people and planet: to Main Street, not Wall Street. My father lost his life to cancer and our family lost our home to medical bills. I believe in Medicare for All. I will stand up for our elders and youth, protect Social Security, expand veterans services, make peace, support immigrant rights, improve public education and eliminate student debt. To achieve this, my top priority is getting money out of politics. I represent people, not corporate lobbyists.

My five-year-old daughter, Satya Rose, was born in this district, where I’ve lived and worked since 2010. I grew up in the Bay Area, graduated from NYU, and recently earned a master’s degree. I’ve served as a high school history teacher, grassroots community organizer and radio host. I currently work as a science teacher and sustainability nonprofit communications director. As a father, I will fight fiercely for our children and grandchildren, and strive to ensure a healthy planet, strong economy, and just society for all.